[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]

Links

This page is a list of links to Web resources for Palm OS developers.

Official Palm OS Web site

PalmSource, Inc. offers a fantastic level of support for the Palm OS at the official Palm OS developer Web site.

Palm OS Developer Home
On this Web site, you can find documentation, tools, example source code, technical support, news, marketing support, and just about anything you could possibly need for Palm OS application development. In particular, a few parts of the site merit special attention.
Knowledge Base
The Palm OS Knowledge Base is a searchable repository of technical information about the Palm OS. Within the Knowledge Base are FAQs, presentations, white papers, manuals, and sample code, all available from a quick search form. This is an excellent first place to look if you have questions about some aspect of Palm OS development.
Creator ID Database
Because each application, shared library, and feature in the Palm OS must have a unique four-character creator ID, PalmSource, Inc. maintains a database of registered creator ID codes. From here, you can search for a creator ID to see if it is already taken, or you can reserve your own creator ID by registering it in the database. One of the first things you should do when making a new application is to register a creator ID for it.
Developer Tools
The Developer Tools page contains links to the most up-to-date versions of CodeWarrior for Palm Computing Platform, the PRC-Tools, the Palm OS SDK, the Palm OS Emulator, the Conduit Development Kits, Web Clipping tools, and many others.
Palm OS Developer Program
The Palm OS Developer Program offers free technical and marketing support for Palm OS developers. The single most useful part of the program, from a developer's perspective, is that the program gives you access to the Resource Pavilion. A members-only part of the developer Web site, the Resource Pavilion offers pre-release versions of upcoming software, such as new versions of the Palm OS SDK and the Palm OS Emulator, in the Development Seeding area. In addition, a limited portion of the Palm OS source code is available for download, which can be invaluable when attempting to squash really obscure bugs. Also, you must be a member of the Developer Program to submit technical questions to the Development Support team. If you have exhausted all your options for solving a technical problem, link to Development Support and contact them for help from real, live programmers.
Palm Powered Compatible Solutions
PalmSource offers a certification program (formerly known as the Platinum Program) to ensure that applications meet rigid standards of compatibility, quality, and usability. Run by an independent testing company, Quality Partners, successful certification allows you to put the Palm Powered Compatible Solution Logo on your application, a sign to consumers that the program meets PalmSource's high standards. Certification is not cheap, but it also provides other benefits like marketing support from PalmSource, Inc..

Third-party Palm OS Development Sites

The following third-party Web sites offer some helpful resources for Palm OS developers.

Palm OS Development Resources
This site is an excellent place to look for anyone developing Palm OS software on a Unix or GNU/Linux system.

Third-party Hardware Sites

Many third-party Palm OS hardware developers offer Web sites with resources for developing software for the nonstandard features included in some third-party devices.

Handspring Visor
Handspring provides a Web site for developers who wish to take advantage of the special features of Springboard modules in the Visor line of handhelds.
Kyocera Smartphone Partner Program
The QCP 6035 smartphone, formerly owned by Qualcomm but more recently bought by Kyocera, includes a number of telephony features not present in a standard Palm OS handheld. Kyocera's developer Web site provides tools and information for developers to take advantage of the smartphone's extra features.
Sony Clié
If you are interested in developing for the unique features of the Sony Clié, including Jog Dial and Memory Stick technologies, take a look at Sony's handheld developer Web site.
Symbol Palm Terminal
The Symbol Palm Terminal line adds barcode scanning and wireless LAN capabilities to the Palm OS platform, requiring specialized developer tools and documentation.
HandEra Developer's Support
HandEra offers special programming resources for developers who want to write applications that use the CompactFlash expansion slot, QVGA screen, and enhanced sound abilities of the HandEra 330.

Mailing Lists

There are a number of mailing lists you can subscribe to for discussing Palm OS development with other developers.

Palm Developer Forums
PalmSource, Inc. provides a number of developer forums for discussion of Palm OS development issues. These mailing lists are one of the quickest ways to get answers to nagging technical questions.
prc-tools-devel
The prc-tools-devel list offers highly technical discussion about the internal parts of the PRC-Tools.

Usenet Newsgroups

Though there are no regular Usenet newsgroups for discussion of Palm OS development, there are newsgroups run by other parties.

Falch.net
There are a number of newsgroups for Palm OS discussion run by the kind folks at Falch.net:
These groups were formerly hosted at Massena.com.
Palm
Palm pipes its developer forum mailing lists to its own news server at news.palmos.com. This page gives details on how to set up your news reader to read the forums from Palm's news server.

Tools and Source Code

Sometimes, the easiest way to figure out how to program is to look at someone else's code. PalmGear H.Q., a repository for Palm OS software, has an excellent developer section, full of useful tools and source code that you can pick through. Also, PalmGear H.Q. is a good place to distribute your application once you have finished writing it. You may also want to check out Handango, another popular Palm OS software distribution site.



Cover

ISBN 0-7645-4961-8

Wiley Technology Publishing
Timely. Practical. Reliable.

[ Home ]

[ Samples ]

[ Errata ]

[ About the Author ]

[ Links ]